Question 43 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for why Option A is Correct:** Option A states: "Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible." This is a fundamental requirement under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 33 and Annex III. While automated systems (like power-operated whistles or automatic sounding devices for bells/gongs) are permitted, the equipment must be designed so that manual operation is always possible to allow the mariner to signal specific maneuvers, urgency, or to use the equipment if the automatic system fails. **Explanation for why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **B) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.** This is incorrect. COLREGs Rule 33 requires a vessel less than 12 meters to have *some* means of making an efficient sound signal. While they may be exempt from carrying a formal whistle and bell, they must still have equipment available (such as a portable horn or whistle) to meet the requirement. * **C) Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.** This is incorrect. The requirement for a **gong** only applies to vessels of **100 meters or more** in length (COLREGs Rule 33, Annex III). Vessels between 12 meters and 100 meters are required to carry a whistle and a bell. * **D) Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.** This is incorrect. Automatic sounding of the prescribed signals, such as the required fog signal sequence (e.g., the prolonged blast of a whistle for a power-driven vessel making way), is permitted and often mandated for certain vessels, provided that the equipment meets technical specifications and allows for manual override (as confirmed by the correctness of Option A).